Lakewood Church began it in a converted feed store in 1959, founded by pastors John and Dodie Osteen . From those humble beginnings, Lakewood has grown into the largest church in America.

Pastor John Osteen - Joel's father - in the early days of his ministry, long before anyone could have imagined today's Lakewood Church.

Pastor John Osteen - Joel's father - in the early days of his ministry, long before anyone could have imagined today's Lakewood Church.

Photo: Provided By Lakewood Church

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John and Dodie Osteen on their wedding day in 1954. The couple had six children, all of whom are involved with ministry.

John and Dodie Osteen on their wedding day in 1954. The couple had six children, all of whom are involved with ministry.

Photo: Provided By Lakewood Church

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Lakewood moved into its first permanent home, this abandoned feed store, in 1959. "We gave up a beautiful church to start out with nothing," said Dodie Osteen recently. "I knew that my husband was led of God and whatever he thought was best for the people, he would do it." less

Lakewood moved into its first permanent home, this abandoned feed store, in 1959. "We gave up a beautiful church to start out with nothing," said Dodie Osteen recently. "I knew that my husband was led of God ... more

Photo: Provided By Lakewood Church

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Dodie Osteen recalls what it looked like: "Well, I remember a little church that had spider webs in it. It had holes in the floor - because it was an old feed store- where the feed would fall though and I just remember excited people," she said. "It was bad and the chairs didn’t match and the pews didn’t match but it was wonderful. There was just enthusiasm and excitement." less

Dodie Osteen recalls what it looked like: "Well, I remember a little church that had spider webs in it. It had holes in the floor - because it was an old feed store- where the feed would fall though and I just ... more

Photo: Provided By Lakewood Church

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In 1961, Pastor John Osteen felt called to missions in the Philippines. Martin Crow pastored the church in Osteen's absence.

In 1961, Pastor John Osteen felt called to missions in the Philippines. Martin Crow pastored the church in Osteen's absence.

Photo: Provided By Lakewood Church

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Pastor John Osteen returned from missions and resumed leading Lakewood in 1969.

Pastor John Osteen returned from missions and resumed leading Lakewood in 1969.

Photo: Provided By Lakewood Church

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Needing more space, the church built this metal building in 1972. It was adjacent to the feed store and sat 700 people.

Needing more space, the church built this metal building in 1972. It was adjacent to the feed store and sat 700 people.

Photo: Provided By Lakewood Church

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Pastor John and Dodie Osteen in front of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

Pastor John and Dodie Osteen in front of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

Photo: Provided By Lakewood Church

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Pastors John and Dodie Osteen leading a service together. Decades later, Joel and Victoria Osteen address the congregation together just like his parents once did.

Pastors John and Dodie Osteen leading a service together. Decades later, Joel and Victoria Osteen address the congregation together just like his parents once did.

Photo: Provided By Lakewood Church

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To keep up with its growing congregation, Lakewood expanded the building in 1979 to seat 5,000.

To keep up with its growing congregation, Lakewood expanded the building in 1979 to seat 5,000.

Photo: Provided By Lakewood Church

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A young Joel Osteen mans the camera at Lakewood Church. Joel left his studies at Oral Roberts University to begin Lakewood's television ministry in 1982.

A young Joel Osteen mans the camera at Lakewood Church. Joel left his studies at Oral Roberts University to begin Lakewood's television ministry in 1982.

Photo: Provided By Lakewood Church

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Dodie Osteen suffered from cancer in the early 1980s. She believes she was miraculously healed of the disease and still speaks about the healing often.

Dodie Osteen suffered from cancer in the early 1980s. She believes she was miraculously healed of the disease and still speaks about the healing often.

Photo: Provided By Lakewood Church

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In 1988, Lakewood opened a new campus on East Houston Road. Its sanctuary seated 8,200 people.

In 1988, Lakewood opened a new campus on East Houston Road. Its sanctuary seated 8,200 people.

Photo: Provided By Lakewood Church

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Pastors John and Dodie Osteen pose for a picture outside of the new sanctuary.

Pastors John and Dodie Osteen pose for a picture outside of the new sanctuary.

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Pastor John and son Joel meet with a photographer at the church's new 8,200 seat sanctuary.

Pastor John and son Joel meet with a photographer at the church's new 8,200 seat sanctuary.

Photo: Provided By Lakewood Church

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Pastors John and Dodie cut their 40th wedding anniversary cake in 1994.

Pastors John and Dodie cut their 40th wedding anniversary cake in 1994.

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The church continued to grow...

The church continued to grow...

Photo: Provided By Lakewood Church

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Pastor John Osteen preaches in the 1990s.

Pastor John Osteen preaches in the 1990s.

Photo: Provided By Lakewood Church

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Pastor John Osteen died of cardiac arrest in January of 1999. Here, Dodie Osteen speaks at his memorial service on January 27, 1999, with family members standing behind her in the Lakewood Church sanctuary.

Pastor John Osteen died of cardiac arrest in January of 1999. Here, Dodie Osteen speaks at his memorial service on January 27, 1999, with family members standing behind her in the Lakewood Church sanctuary.

Photo: E. Joseph Deering, Houston Chronicle

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After his father died, Joel Osteen became pastor of Lakewood Church. His mother Dodie Osteen recalls the experience: The first time I heard (son Joel preach) I heard a young man 35 or 36. At that time he was frightened and he had a lot of hair and he stood up there and you could tell he was shaking inside. I’ve seen him progress and now I think “He is so mature.” Every sermon I think “That’s his best.” less

After his father died, Joel Osteen became pastor of Lakewood Church. His mother Dodie Osteen recalls the experience: The first time I heard (son Joel preach) I heard a young man 35 or 36. At that time he was ... more

Photo: Provided By Lakewood Church

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Pastor Joel and Victoria Osteen in the early days of thier ministry.

Pastor Joel and Victoria Osteen in the early days of thier ministry.

Photo: Provided By Lakewood Church

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Joel and Victoria Osteen, standing next to Dodie, sing along with their choir to open up their Saturday evening service, Sept. 25, 2004.

Joel and Victoria Osteen, standing next to Dodie, sing along with their choir to open up their Saturday evening service, Sept. 25, 2004.

Photo: Kevin Fujii, Houston Chronicle

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Your Best Life Now, which Joel published in 2004, became a best seller.

Your Best Life Now, which Joel published in 2004, became a best seller.

Photo: Warner Faith

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Victoria Osteen, beside her husband Joel Osteen, during services at the church Jan. 9, 2005, in Houston.

Victoria Osteen, beside her husband Joel Osteen, during services at the church Jan. 9, 2005, in Houston.

Photo: PAT SULLIVAN, AP

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Dodie Osteen was invited to throw out the first pitch at an Astros game.

Dodie Osteen was invited to throw out the first pitch at an Astros game.

Photo: Provided By Lakewood Church

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Dodie Osteen is welcomed to share the stage with evangelist Benny Hinn during his service at the Toyota Center on Feb. 24, 2005.

Dodie Osteen is welcomed to share the stage with evangelist Benny Hinn during his service at the Toyota Center on Feb. 24, 2005.

Photo: Kevin Fujii, Houston Chronicle

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Victoria and Joel Osteen pose for a portrait outside the new Lakewood Church on July 9, 2005.

Victoria and Joel Osteen pose for a portrait outside the new Lakewood Church on July 9, 2005.

Photo: BRETT COOMER, HOUSTON CHRONICLE

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In 2005, Lakewood moved into the Compaq Center, the former Summit and former home of the Houston Rockets. Before they move in, Pastor Joel and Victoria Osteen pose outside the building.

In 2005, Lakewood moved into the Compaq Center, the former Summit and former home of the Houston Rockets. Before they move in, Pastor Joel and Victoria Osteen pose outside the building.

Photo: Provided By Lakewood Church

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Joel Osteen, right, and his wife, Victoria, welcome the overflow crowd to the opening services of Lakewood Church Saturday, July 16, 2005, in Houston. Lakewood Church converted the Compaq Center, the former home of the Houston Rockets, into one of the largest churches in the country. less

Joel Osteen, right, and his wife, Victoria, welcome the overflow crowd to the opening services of Lakewood Church Saturday, July 16, 2005, in Houston. Lakewood Church converted the Compaq Center, the former ... more

Photo: BRETT COOMER, HOUSTON CHRONICLE

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It didn't take long for the church to pack the former Compaq Center. Lakewood Church has become the largest church in the country. Even more see the services on television.

It didn't take long for the church to pack the former Compaq Center. Lakewood Church has become the largest church in the country. Even more see the services on television.

Photo: Eric Kayne, Chronicle

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Joel Osteen's second best seller Become a Better You: 7 Keys to Improving Your Life Every Day (2007), reportedly earned him a $13 million advance.

Joel Osteen's second best seller Become a Better You: 7 Keys to Improving Your Life Every Day (2007), reportedly earned him a $13 million advance.

Photo: Free Press, A Division Of Simon

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Pastors Joel and Victorial Osteen made the cover of People Magazine in December 2007.

Pastors Joel and Victorial Osteen made the cover of People Magazine in December 2007.

Photo: People Magazine

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Positive, happy and encouraging have long been the hallmarks of Osteen's message.

Positive, happy and encouraging have long been the hallmarks of Osteen's message.

Photo: Steve Ueckert, Houston Chronicle

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"When I talk, I realize I'm talking to an audience that may not understand," Joel Osteen told the Houston Chronicle in 1997. "I have a gift to talk to the everyday person who may not be a religious person. ... A lot of things I talk about are just life, and then I bring the Bible principles in at the end." less

"When I talk, I realize I'm talking to an audience that may not understand," Joel Osteen told the Houston Chronicle in 1997. "I have a gift to talk to the everyday person who may not be a religious person. ... ... more

Photo: Steve Ueckert, Houston Chronicle

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Victoria Osteen, seen here with her husband Joel in October says congregations respond to couples who are united. "What women tell me all the time is my example up there helps them realize that it's OK to be a strong woman. It's OK to love your family. It's OK to have a place of influence,'' she said. "That's what Joel loves about it. That we're a team.'' less

Victoria Osteen, seen here with her husband Joel in October says congregations respond to couples who are united. "What women tell me all the time is my example up there helps them realize that it's OK to be a ... more

Photo: Eric Kayne, Chronicle

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Their partnership, she says, is part of Lakewood's appeal to the approximately 38,000 people who attend services weekly.

Their partnership, she says, is part of Lakewood's appeal to the approximately 38,000 people who attend services weekly.

Photo: Eric Kayne, Chronicle

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"When you see a family, that's very empowering because we all want that family unit,'' Victoria Osteen said. Their children Jonathan, 13, and Alexandra, 9, participate in praise events around the country with their parents. less

"When you see a family, that's very empowering because we all want that family unit,'' Victoria Osteen said. Their children Jonathan, 13, and Alexandra, 9, participate in praise events around the country with ... more

Photo: Eric Kayne, Chronicle

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Victoria and Joel Osteen pray with church members during a Lakewood service.

Victoria and Joel Osteen pray with church members during a Lakewood service.

Photo: Eric Kayne, Chronicle

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Dodie Osteen looks on as her son, Joel, preaches on Sunday, March 2, 2008. "I know, for one thing, the love hasn’t changed," she said. "The people are so full of love that is the most wonderful thing.
The thing that has changed is I used to know everybody. I knew their names. Now I know maybe five out of 100. But you know that is growth. That is good." less

Dodie Osteen looks on as her son, Joel, preaches on Sunday, March 2, 2008. "I know, for one thing, the love hasn’t changed," she said. "The people are so full of love that is the most wonderful thing.
The ... more

Photo: Steve Ueckert, Chronicle

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Always giving thanks for her healing from cancer, Dodie leads a Prayer and Healing Service on the second Tuesday of every month on the 2nd floor from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

Always giving thanks for her healing from cancer, Dodie leads a Prayer and Healing Service on the second Tuesday of every month on the 2nd floor from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

Photo: Provided By Lakewood Church

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Dodie Osteen does not consider herself a preacher:
“My daughters are wonderful preachers. My sons are wonderful preachers, teachers. But I’m not like that. I just have to exhort the people and love them.” less

Dodie Osteen does not consider herself a preacher:
“My daughters are wonderful preachers. My sons are wonderful preachers, teachers. But I’m not like that. I just have to exhort the people and love ... more

Photo: Provided By Lakewood Church

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Joel Osteen waits in the wings of the stage to deliver his sermon as he and his wife, Victoria, lead a worship service.

Joel Osteen waits in the wings of the stage to deliver his sermon as he and his wife, Victoria, lead a worship service.

Lakewood began a Spanish service in 2002. Under the direction of Associate Pastor Marcos Witt, who is well known among Hispanics all over the world for his worship music, the service has grown to approximately 7,000 attending weekly. less

Lakewood began a Spanish service in 2002. Under the direction of Associate Pastor Marcos Witt, who is well known among Hispanics all over the world for his worship music, the service has grown to approximately ... more

Photo: Johnny Hanson, FOR THE CHRONICLE

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Joel and Victoria Osteen, pastors of Lakewood Church, with their son, Jonathan Osteen (age 13) between them, stand alongside former President Bill Clinton (second right) and his daughter, Chelsea Clinton (far right), as they attend early services at Lakewood Church on March 2, 2008. The Clintons were introduced and Pastor Joel Osteen prayed for them and Sen. Hillary Clinton (not in attendance) on Sunday, March 2, 2008. less

Joel and Victoria Osteen, pastors of Lakewood Church, with their son, Jonathan Osteen (age 13) between them, stand alongside former President Bill Clinton (second right) and his daughter, Chelsea Clinton (far ... more

Photo: Steve Ueckert, Houston Chronicle

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A 2005 incident concerning a spill aboard an airplane ended up in civil court last year. A flight attendant accused Victoria Osteen of assault. This photo was taken in August, immediately after a jury found unanimously in Osteen's favor. less

A 2005 incident concerning a spill aboard an airplane ended up in civil court last year. A flight attendant accused Victoria Osteen of assault. This photo was taken in August, immediately after a jury found ... more

Photo: Steve Ueckert, Houston Chronicle

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Love Your Life: Living Happy, Healthy and Whole (Free Press, $25) was published in October of 2008. Simon & Schuster ordered an initial printing of 780,000 copies. Victoria also recently released a series of children's books. less

Love Your Life: Living Happy, Healthy and Whole (Free Press, $25) was published in October of 2008. Simon & Schuster ordered an initial printing of 780,000 copies. Victoria also recently released a series of ... more

Photo: Victoria Osteen

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Having grown up in an active family, Lakewood Church’s Victoria Osteen incorporates her husband Joel, and two kids Jonathan, far left, and Alexandra, far right, into her regimen of healthy foods, exercise and maintaining a positive attitude. less

Having grown up in an active family, Lakewood Church’s Victoria Osteen incorporates her husband Joel, and two kids Jonathan, far left, and Alexandra, far right, into her regimen of healthy foods, exercise and ... more

The Osteen family has taken its message on tour. Here Pastor Joel Osteen speaks during 'A Night of Hope' worship service at Yankee Stadium on April 25, 2009.

The Osteen family has taken its message on tour. Here Pastor Joel Osteen speaks during 'A Night of Hope' worship service at Yankee Stadium on April 25, 2009.

Photo: Ron Wyatt, Provided By Lakewood Church

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The service was the first non-baseball event at the new Yankee Stadium.

The service was the first non-baseball event at the new Yankee Stadium.

Photo: Ron Wyatt, Provided By Lakewood Church

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Nearly five decades after her husband founded Lakewood Church, Dodie Osteen encourages a huge crowd at Yankee Stadium for 'A Night of Hope' worship service.

Nearly five decades after her husband founded Lakewood Church, Dodie Osteen encourages a huge crowd at Yankee Stadium for 'A Night of Hope' worship service.

Photo: Ron Wyatt, Provided By Lakewood Church

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Lakewood Church, Nov. 30, 2009 in Houston.

Lakewood Church, Nov. 30, 2009 in Houston.

Photo: Eric Kayne

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Lakewood Church Pastor Joel Osteen, left, stands next to his wife Victoria Osteen, who's the Church's Co-Pastor, as singers and the band perform on stage during his 11 a.m. service, Sunday, Aug. 28, 2011, in Houston. Olsteen's church averages about 40,000 people in attendance per week. ( Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle ) less

Lakewood Church Pastor Joel Osteen, left, stands next to his wife Victoria Osteen, who's the Church's Co-Pastor, as singers and the band perform on stage during his 11 a.m. service, Sunday, Aug. 28, 2011, in ... more

The Osteens announced in 2011 that they were working with Mark Burnett
on a reality show featuring service projects across the country.

The Osteens announced in 2011 that they were working with Mark Burnett
on a reality show featuring service projects across the country.

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New Joel Osteen iPhone app takes off quickly in Apple store

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Hope these days may seem to be on life support, but a world-renowned Houston pastor is keeping it alive through a new iPhone app that is getting rave reviews.

Since its June 4 release, the Joel Olsteen iPhone app has registered more than 50,000 downloads and it debuted at No. 2 in Apple's App Store, according to Andrea Davis, senior director of media relations at Lakewood Church.

"It reached #41 overall out of over 400,000 free apps, ranking ahead of Spotify, Netflix, Facebook, Groupon, Pinterest and Pandora, among others," she stated in an email. The free app is also rated at 5-Stars in the Apple App Store.

With a few clicks, readers can read the Today's Word Devotional from Pastor Joel Osteen, check out Lakewood Church's event schedule, and find partner churches to visit, among other benefits.

"Our goal for the app is to allow the millions of people who watch Joel on TV to have real easy access to his messages, the inspiring content that Joel has for them on a daily basis," said Jerry Cooley, creative director at Lakewood Church.

"A great thing about the app is that wherever they are, they can just stop, pull up the app, watch Joel and listen to his messages," he said.

Especially popular, Cooley said, is the easy access to the Today's Word Devotional, which offers spiritual insights into daily life. Some recent messages include "Remember Your Victories," "God's Protection," "Excel in Giving," "Letting It Go," and "Seeing His Glory."

Customer reviews on the App Store give the new app a thumbs-up.

"I've been waiting for this for a long time! Absolutely Wonderful!!" wrote BeckUniversity.

David346890 wrote, "Thank you so much for work and effort to make this world a better place. We need more Apps like this as a tool to enrich our lives in Jesus Christ."

Comments like that, Cooley said, show that Osteen and Lakewood are on the right technological track.

"It's one more way for Joel to connect with people and encourage and inspire them, and to help them reach their potential that God has asked for them," he said.

There are three other apps available for download - Joel Osteen for iPad, Lakewood for iPhone, and Hope for Today Magazine for iPad.

For now, the phone apps are available only for iPhone, but plans are in the works to offer them for Android smartphones, Cooley said.

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